United Arab EmiratesIsrael
United Arab Emirates has a population of 11.3M, compared to Israel's 10.1M. United Arab Emirates is 1.1 times more populous than Israel. Economically, United Arab Emirates ($552.3B) has a GDP 1.0 times larger than Israel's ($540.4B). United Arab Emirates covers 83,600 km², 3.8 times larger than Israel's 21,937 km². Life expectancy in Israel stands at 83.2 years, 0.3 years higher than United Arab Emirates's 82.9 years.
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United Arab Emirates wins
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Israel wins
Metric
United Arab EmiratesIsrael| Population | 11.3M | 10.1M |
| Area | 83,600 km² | 21,937 km² |
| GDP | $552.3B | $540.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | $50,273.506 | $54,176.684 |
| Life Expectancy | 82.9 yrs | 83.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 4.0 | 2.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 2.2% | 3.5% |
| Capital | Abu Dhabi | Jerusalem |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic | Arabic, Hebrew |
| Currencies | AED (د.إ) | ILS (₪) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
United Arab Emirates is 1.1 times more populous than Israel, with 11.3M residents compared to 10.1M. United Arab Emirates is a nation of 11.3M people, while Israel is a nation of 10.1M people. In terms of population density, United Arab Emirates averages 135 people per km² (moderate), while Israel averages 462 people per km² (dense). While United Arab Emirates has grown at 3.14% annually over the past decade, Israel has grown at 2.03% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
United Arab Emirates is classified as a high-income economy, while Israel is classified as a high-income economy. The United Arab Emirates economy ($552.3B) is 1.0 times larger than Israel's ($540.4B). United Arab Emirates's GDP per capita of $50,273.506 is 349% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Israel's GDP per capita of $54,176.684 is 384% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of Israel are on average 1.1 times wealthier than those in United Arab Emirates.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in United Arab Emirates is 82.9 years, compared to 83.2 years in Israel, a gap of 0.3 years. Israel (83.2 years) is 11.2 years above the global average of 72 years, while United Arab Emirates (82.9 years) is 10.9 years above the global average of 72 years. At 4.0 deaths per 1,000 live births, United Arab Emirates's infant mortality is 48% higher than Israel's 2.7.
Geographic Comparison
United Arab Emirates (83,600 km²) is 3.8 times larger by land area than Israel (21,937 km²). United Arab Emirates shares borders with 2 countries, while Israel borders 5 countries. United Arab Emirates spans 1 timezone, compared to Israel's 1 timezone. Both United Arab Emirates and Israel are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Western Asia and Western Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between United Arab Emirates and Israel is in land area: United Arab Emirates's 83,600 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km² represents a 74% gap. The most significant difference between United Arab Emirates and Israel is in infant mortality: United Arab Emirates's 4.0 per 1,000 compared to Israel's 2.7 per 1,000 represents a 32% gap. The most significant difference between United Arab Emirates and Israel is in population: United Arab Emirates's 11.3M compared to Israel's 10.1M represents a 10% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between United Arab Emirates's high-income economy and Israel's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Israel has a GDP per capita of $54,176.684, which is 1.1x that of United Arab Emirates ($50,273.506). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Israel is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Israel is 3.4x more densely populated than United Arab Emirates (462 vs 135 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. United Arab Emirates's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Israel live an average of 0.3 years longer than those of United Arab Emirates (83.2 vs 82.9 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
United Arab Emirates's economy grew at 4.0% compared to Israel's 0.9%. Both countries show healthy growth, though United Arab Emirates has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
United Arab Emirates vs Israel for Families
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 vs 4.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. United Arab Emirates offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Israel's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
United Arab Emirates vs Israel for Budget Travelers
United Arab Emirates is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $50,273.506 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in United Arab Emirates can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Israel. However, Israel may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
United Arab Emirates vs Israel for Retirees
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. United Arab Emirates may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
United Arab Emirates vs Israel Cost of Living
Israel's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of United Arab Emirates, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Israel, while United Arab Emirates offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in United Arab Emirates can approach or exceed average costs in Israel's smaller cities.
United Arab Emirates vs Israel for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between United Arab Emirates and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. United Arab Emirates spans 1 timezone while Israel covers 1. United Arab Emirates's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, United Arab Emirates or Israel by population?
United Arab Emirates is larger by population, with 11.3M residents compared to Israel's 10.1M. United Arab Emirates is 1.1 times more populous than Israel.
Which country has a higher GDP, United Arab Emirates or Israel?
United Arab Emirates has the higher GDP at $552.3B, compared to Israel's $540.4B. United Arab Emirates's economy is 1.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between United Arab Emirates and Israel?
Israel has a higher life expectancy at 83.2 years, compared to United Arab Emirates's 82.9 years. The gap between the two countries is 0.3 years. United Arab Emirates's life expectancy is 10.9 years above the global average of 72 years, while Israel's is 11.2 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, United Arab Emirates or Israel?
United Arab Emirates is larger by land area, covering 83,600 km² compared to Israel's 21,937 km². United Arab Emirates is 3.8 times larger than Israel.
What languages are spoken in United Arab Emirates and Israel?
United Arab Emirates recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Israel recognizes: Arabic, Hebrew. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, United Arab Emirates or Israel?
United Arab Emirates has lower inflation at 1.7%, compared to Israel's 3.1%. United Arab Emirates's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Israel's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is United Arab Emirates or Israel better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Israel generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.7 vs 4.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. United Arab Emirates offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family...
Is United Arab Emirates or Israel cheaper to visit?
United Arab Emirates is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $50,273.506 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in United Arab Emirates can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Israel. However, Isra...
Is United Arab Emirates or Israel better for retirement?
Israel's life expectancy of 83.2 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. United Arab Emirates may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare a...
Is United Arab Emirates or Israel more expensive to live in?
Israel's GDP per capita is 1.1x that of United Arab Emirates, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Israel, while United Arab Emirates offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of liv...
Is United Arab Emirates or Israel better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between United Arab Emirates and Israel, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. United Arab Emirates spans 1 timezone while Israel covers 1. United Arab Emirates's lower cost of living makes it ...
Population Growth
United Arab Emirates, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Israel, 1994 to 2023